The CMA Foundation has revealed its 2024 Music Teachers of Excellence class.
Through an application process consisting of teaching videos, professional references and community service work, Music Teachers of Excellence are selected based on their dedication to bringing a high-quality music education program to their students and the impact they’ve had on their school community through music.
In celebration of Teacher Appreciation Week, the CMA Foundation joined forces with Tanner Adell, Kelsea Ballerini, Dierks Bentley, Priscilla Block, Brothers Osborne, Luke Bryan, Chapel Hart, Jordan Davis, Lindsay Ell, Filmore, Mickey Guyton, Tyler Hubbard, Jelly Roll, Cody Johnson, Brian Kelley, Tiera Kennedy, Maddie & Tae, Ashley McBryde, Parker McCollum, Reba McEntire, Carly Pearce, MacKenzie Porter, Frank Ray, Reyna Roberts, Caitlyn Smith, Alana Springsteen, Thomas Rhett, Keith Urban, Lainey Wilson and Chris Young to surprise each honoree yesterday (May 7) with congratulatory video messages shared at their schools. CMA and CMA Foundation staff also visited the 10 Metro Nashville Public School teachers in their classrooms to surprise them with news of becoming Music Teachers of Excellence.
“We are immensely proud to celebrate these 30 remarkable music educators as part of our Music Teachers of Excellence program,” says Tiffany Kerns, CMA Foundation Executive Director. “These teachers consistently go above and beyond to build inclusive environments in their classrooms and communities, often removing barriers that prevent even just one student from participating in music education. It takes a village, and we are so grateful for our village of amazing country artists who joined us this morning to recognize these 30 incredible humans.”
The Music Teachers of Excellence ceremony, presented by One Country, will be held on Tuesday, Sept. 17 at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum in Nashville. As part of the CMA Foundation’s investment strategy, each educator will receive a $5,000 grant—half of the investment will go toward their classroom needs and music programs, and the other half will support personal expenses. To date, the CMA Foundation has invested over $30 million nationally to ensure music teachers have the support and funding needed to create a thriving program within their school and community.
2024 Music Teachers of Excellence:
Justin Antos – Dwight D. Eisenhower High School, Blue Island, IL
Evan Burton – Page Middle School, Franklin, TN
Vanessa Cobb – Montgomery Central High School, Cunningham, TN
Johnny Croft – Cane Ridge High School, Antioch, TN
Charissa Duncanson – Ferndale Lower Elementary School, Ferndale Upper Elementary School, Oak Park, MI
Deanna Grandstaff – Cecil Intermediate School, McDonald, PA
Corey Graves – Jackson Middle School, Forney, TX
DaJuana “Dee” Hammonds – Hull-Jackson Montessori School, Nashville, TN
Eric Hanson – Wilson Elementary, Coppell, TX
Tony Hartman – Scales Elementary School, Murfreesboro, TN
Michael Holland – Franklin High School, Franklin, TN
Brent Hopper – Lakeland Preparatory School, Lakeland, TN
Allen Kennedy – Hume–Fogg Academic High School, Nashville, TN
Ollie Liddell – Memphis Central High School, Memphis, TN
Tyler Merideth – James Lawson High School, Nashville, TN
Allen Moody – Idlewild Elementary, Memphis, TN
Linzie Mullins – Snowden School, Memphis, TN
Cody Newman – Forney High School, Forney, TX
Katiana Nicholson – Columbia Central High School, Columbia, TN
Dave Petrelli – Lockeland Design Center Elementary, Nashville, TN
Holly Rang – Pennington Elementary, Nashville, TN
Samantha Reid – Oliver Middle School, Nashville, TN
Stephanie San Roman – Oswego High School, Oswego, IL
Jonathan Seligman – Casillas Elementary, Chula Vista, CA
Laura Shepherd – Donelson Middle School, Nashville, TN
Andrew Smith – Powell High School, Powell, TN
Sarah Theres – Florosa Elementary School, Mary Esther, FL
Kaitlin Tilden – Andrew Jackson Elementary, Old Hickory, TN
Taylor Walkup-Amos – Yorktown Elementary School, Yorktown, VA
Shoshana Wulf – Martin Luther King Jr. Academic Magnet High School, Nashville, TN
Jackson Nance Inks With Eclipse Music Group & Electric Feel Publishing
/by Madison HahnenPictured (L-R): Anna Thiel (Eclipse Music, Creative Coordinator), Kurt Locher (Eclipse Music Group, Founder/Partner), Penny Gattis (Eclipse Music Group, Partner), John Owen Bradley (Electric Feel, Country A&R) Jackson Nance, Austin Rosen (Electric Feel, CEO). Photo: Courtesy of Evolution PR
Singer-songwriter Jackson Nance has signed a global publishing deal with Eclipse Music Group and Electric Feel Publishing.
“Jackson is a rare talent and a triple threat,” says Penny Gattis, Partner, Eclipse Music Group. “His vocals, guitar playing and writing seamlessly transcend genres while remaining uniquely his own. Partnering with Electric Feel on this was an organic fit, and I’m eager to witness the extraordinary journey ahead with this dream team in place.”
The Mississippi native has been immersed in music since he was 10 years old. He has been paving his path in music city for seven years now, working with some of the industry’s most established mentors. Nance has had cuts with Brennan Story, Chase Rice and Halle. He has also performed with Ricky Staggs, Jeffrey Steele, Delbert McClinton and Jamey Johnson, among others.
“From the second I met Jackson, I knew he had IT,” shares John Bradley, Country A&R, Electric Feel Publishing. “He is a rare talent that effortlessly writes in any genre and conquers any challenge thrown his way. Jackson seamlessly fits into the culture Electric Feel is building in Nashville, and it couldn’t be more perfect to partner with my friends at Eclipse Music Group.”
“I feel blessed to be part of Eclipse Music and Electric Feel. These days it’s hard to do anything but smile when thinking about my future! Praise God,” adds Nance.
Kane Brown & Marshmello Make History With ‘Miles On It’
/by Madison HahnenKane Brown & Marshmello. Photo: Courtesy of Sony Music Nashville.
Multi-Platinum country singer Kane Brown and Grammy-nominated artist Marshmello have made history with their new collaboration “Miles On It.”
The track became the No. 1 most-added song on both country and pop radio simultaneously, making Brown and Marshmello the first male artists to achieve this feat. They join the ranks of Taylor Swift and Beyoncé for this career milestone. This is also the first collaboration to receive the distinction.
The upbeat anthem is not the first time the two have collaborated, as they first came together for “One Thing Right” in 2019. That track went on to become five-times Platinum, amass 1.3 billion streams and gave Brown his first top 10 single in the top 40 format.
“Miles On It” is currently charting globally across all streaming platforms.
Toby Keith To Be Honored At University Of Oklahoma Commencement
/by Lorie HollabaughToby Keith will receive an honorary degree at the University of Oklahoma (OU)’s Commencement. His daughter, Krystal Keith, will stand in for the late singer to receive the honor during the ceremony this Saturday (May 11) at Lloyd Noble Center.
The country star first learned he was receiving the accolade last year, and was honored and happy to be acknowledged by the university that he loved and sent his children to for their education.
“He loved OU! His passion started as far back as when he was 12 [or] 13 years old, and [he] worked in the stadium selling Cokes just so he could see the games,” recalls Krystal. “For as long as I can remember, he took us to every bowl game no matter what his work schedule was. And he was on the sidelines of nearly all the different OU sporting events. He bled crimson and cream.”
Educator, economist and activist Barbara Ann Posey Jones, Love’s Travel Stops Founder Tom E. Love and Presidential Medal of Freedom recipient David Proctor will also receive honorary degrees from OU this year. Love and Jones will be honored during a ceremony scheduled for this Friday (May 10).
“Through their exceptional talents, transformative leadership and unwavering commitment to serving others, each of this year’s honorary degree recipients has left an indelible mark on the world,” says Joseph Harroz Jr., OU President. “Their profound dedication has touched countless lives, and we take great pride in conferring the university’s highest honor upon them.”
Tracy Lawrence’s Fourth Annual Celebrity Golf Tournament Raises $250K For Charity
/by Lorie HollabaughParticipants in Tracy Lawrence’s Mission:Possible Celebrity Classic Golf Tournament. Photo: Bill McClintic
Tracy Lawrence hosted his fourth annual Mission:Possible Celebrity Classic Golf Tournament on Monday, May 6, raising over $250,000 for his charity Mission:Possible.
Lawrence teed up together with fellow celebrities including Gary Allan, Johnny Damon, Jordan Davis, Vince Gill, Bo Jackson, Jamey Johnson, Josh Ross and more at the event, which raises funds and awareness for homeless organizations in Middle Tennessee and beyond.
The tournament took place just two days after Lawrence played his first headlining show at the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville. He continues to share his new music and greatest hits on the road on Riley Green‘s 33-stop “Ain’t My Last Rodeo Tour” throughout the spring.
Next month, Lawrence keeps the momentum going as he gears up for his sold-out “Tracy Lawrence and Friends” show at Ascend Amphitheater for CMA Fest on Saturday, June 8 with tourmate Green, Chris Young, Maddie & Tae, Priscilla Block, RaeLynn and Charles Esten. At the end of the summer, Lawrence will head to Texas to be inducted into the Texas Country Music Hall of Fame in Carthage, Texas on Aug. 10.
Lainey Wilson To Share Her ‘Whirlwind’ Of A Journey Through New Album
/by Liza AndersonPhoto: Eric Ryan Anderson
Lainey Wilson will share her new album, Whirlwind, on Aug. 23 via BBR Music Group/BMG Nashville.
Produced by Jay Joyce, Whirlwind aims to give fans an honest look into the multi-Platinum artist’s life and journey around the world. The collection brings together a mix of sonically united songs that span across genres while remaining true to Wilson’s western roots. Throughout the project, the Grammy-winning singer-songwriter sought to create narratives and storylines that capture the essence of life’s highs, lows and everything in between.
“I am so excited to finally announce Whirlwind. This album has been a long time coming, and I can’t wait for the world to have this body of work in their hands soon,” says Wilson. “This new chapter of music is the most cathartic and personal piece of art I’ve ever made. I hope this record brings some peace to your whirlwind and wraps its arms around you like it did for me.”
She recently notched her seventh No. 1 at country radio with “Wildflowers And Wild Horses,” and announced her new bar set to open in downtown Nashville. In addition to being nominated for multiple honors, Wilson will take the ACM Awards stage to perform next week before kicking off her “Country’s Cool Again Tour” at the end of the month.
CMA Foundation Reveals 2024 Music Teachers Of Excellence
/by Liza AndersonThe CMA Foundation has revealed its 2024 Music Teachers of Excellence class.
Through an application process consisting of teaching videos, professional references and community service work, Music Teachers of Excellence are selected based on their dedication to bringing a high-quality music education program to their students and the impact they’ve had on their school community through music.
In celebration of Teacher Appreciation Week, the CMA Foundation joined forces with Tanner Adell, Kelsea Ballerini, Dierks Bentley, Priscilla Block, Brothers Osborne, Luke Bryan, Chapel Hart, Jordan Davis, Lindsay Ell, Filmore, Mickey Guyton, Tyler Hubbard, Jelly Roll, Cody Johnson, Brian Kelley, Tiera Kennedy, Maddie & Tae, Ashley McBryde, Parker McCollum, Reba McEntire, Carly Pearce, MacKenzie Porter, Frank Ray, Reyna Roberts, Caitlyn Smith, Alana Springsteen, Thomas Rhett, Keith Urban, Lainey Wilson and Chris Young to surprise each honoree yesterday (May 7) with congratulatory video messages shared at their schools. CMA and CMA Foundation staff also visited the 10 Metro Nashville Public School teachers in their classrooms to surprise them with news of becoming Music Teachers of Excellence.
“We are immensely proud to celebrate these 30 remarkable music educators as part of our Music Teachers of Excellence program,” says Tiffany Kerns, CMA Foundation Executive Director. “These teachers consistently go above and beyond to build inclusive environments in their classrooms and communities, often removing barriers that prevent even just one student from participating in music education. It takes a village, and we are so grateful for our village of amazing country artists who joined us this morning to recognize these 30 incredible humans.”
The Music Teachers of Excellence ceremony, presented by One Country, will be held on Tuesday, Sept. 17 at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum in Nashville. As part of the CMA Foundation’s investment strategy, each educator will receive a $5,000 grant—half of the investment will go toward their classroom needs and music programs, and the other half will support personal expenses. To date, the CMA Foundation has invested over $30 million nationally to ensure music teachers have the support and funding needed to create a thriving program within their school and community.
2024 Music Teachers of Excellence:
Justin Antos – Dwight D. Eisenhower High School, Blue Island, IL
Evan Burton – Page Middle School, Franklin, TN
Vanessa Cobb – Montgomery Central High School, Cunningham, TN
Johnny Croft – Cane Ridge High School, Antioch, TN
Charissa Duncanson – Ferndale Lower Elementary School, Ferndale Upper Elementary School, Oak Park, MI
Deanna Grandstaff – Cecil Intermediate School, McDonald, PA
Corey Graves – Jackson Middle School, Forney, TX
DaJuana “Dee” Hammonds – Hull-Jackson Montessori School, Nashville, TN
Eric Hanson – Wilson Elementary, Coppell, TX
Tony Hartman – Scales Elementary School, Murfreesboro, TN
Michael Holland – Franklin High School, Franklin, TN
Brent Hopper – Lakeland Preparatory School, Lakeland, TN
Allen Kennedy – Hume–Fogg Academic High School, Nashville, TN
Ollie Liddell – Memphis Central High School, Memphis, TN
Tyler Merideth – James Lawson High School, Nashville, TN
Allen Moody – Idlewild Elementary, Memphis, TN
Linzie Mullins – Snowden School, Memphis, TN
Cody Newman – Forney High School, Forney, TX
Katiana Nicholson – Columbia Central High School, Columbia, TN
Dave Petrelli – Lockeland Design Center Elementary, Nashville, TN
Holly Rang – Pennington Elementary, Nashville, TN
Samantha Reid – Oliver Middle School, Nashville, TN
Stephanie San Roman – Oswego High School, Oswego, IL
Jonathan Seligman – Casillas Elementary, Chula Vista, CA
Laura Shepherd – Donelson Middle School, Nashville, TN
Andrew Smith – Powell High School, Powell, TN
Sarah Theres – Florosa Elementary School, Mary Esther, FL
Kaitlin Tilden – Andrew Jackson Elementary, Old Hickory, TN
Taylor Walkup-Amos – Yorktown Elementary School, Yorktown, VA
Shoshana Wulf – Martin Luther King Jr. Academic Magnet High School, Nashville, TN
Chris Stapleton, Sturgill Simpson, More Among Lineup For 2024 Austin City Limits Festival
/by Lorie HollabaughChris Stapleton & Sturgill Simpson
Chris Stapleton, Dua Lipa, Tyler, The Creator, Blink-182, Sturgill Simpson and Pretty Lights are set to headline the upcoming Austin City Limits (ACL) Music Festival, taking place Oct. 4–6 and Oct. 11–13 at Zilker Park in Austin, Texas.
The nine-stage, two-weekend music celebration will also feature performances from Leon Bridges, Carin León, Norah Jones, Reneé Rapp, Foster The People, Kehlani, Teddy Swims, The Marías, Jungle, Dom Dolla, Porter Robinson, Fletcher and David Shaw, among others.
More than 30 Texas artists will take this year’s ACL Fest stages, including Khruangbin, Kevin Abstract, That Mexican OT, Mickey Guyton, Penny & Sparrow, Chance Peña, Dexter and The Moonrocks, Bob Schneider, Asleep At The Wheel, Whookilledkenny, Kalu & The Electric Joint, The Droptines, Jon Muq, Rickshaw Billie’s Burger Patrol, Late Night Drive Home, Theo Lawrence, Chief Cleopatra, Chaparelle and more.
Three-day general admission tickets, VIP and Platinum tickets, hotel packages and more are on sale now. One-day tickets will be available at a later date. Music fans ages eight and under are welcome to all general admission areas free of charge with a ticketed adult. For more information, click here.
ACM Country Kickoff To Feature Megan Moroney, Nate Smith & More
/by Lorie HollabaughThe lineup has been revealed for this year’s ACM Country Kickoff At The Star, set for May 14–15 ahead the 59th ACM Awards on May 16.
Taking the outdoor Carhartt Stage on Tuesday (May 14) will be Chayce Beckham, Annie Bosko, Tyler Braden, Ashley Cooke, Kameron Marlowe, Megan Moroney, Neon Union, Dylan Scott, Nate Smith and Tigirlily Gold. Wednesday (May 15) will feature performances by Kassi Ashton, Hannah Ellis, Tiera Kennedy, Kylie Morgan, Jenna Paulette, Restless Road, Conner Smith, Alana Springsteen, Matt Stell and Jake Worthington.
Special performances will also take place on Tuesday night starting at 8 p.m. CT for Live From the ACM Awards: ACM New Artist Winners Celebration, where the New Artists of the Year category winners will be revealed and celebrated. Country Heat Weekly podcast hosts Kelly Sutton and Amber Anderson will emcee the show, which will air live on the Amazon Music channel on Twitch.
The event is free to attendees. New this year is the Country Kickoff VIP ticket, which includes premium viewing access of the outdoor stage from the Lucas Oil VIP Area, a meal voucher redeemable at any of the onsite food trucks, two drink tickets, dedicated bar service, a Jack Daniel’s whiskey tasting and more. The ACM Country Kickoff will also feature a beer garden and dance floor presented by Coors Light and artist meet-and-greet sessions in the ACM Red Barrel Lounge, presented by Princess Cruise Lines, alongside food trucks, photo opps, awards show merchandise, and activations by a host of partners. For more information, click here.
Brian Fuller Inks With Sony Music Publishing Nashville
/by Madison HahnenPictured (L-R, back row): Kenley Flynn, Dale Bobo, Josh Van Valkenburg, Anna Weisband, Tom Luteran and Synnovea Cleveland; (L-R, front row): Aubrey Landon, Brian Fuller and Rusty Gaston. Photo: Courtesy of Sony Music Publishing Nashville
Songwriter Brian Fuller has signed a global publishing deal with Sony Music Publishing Nashville.
The Georgia native moved to Nashville in 2019, where he spent time writing and touring. He has released several tracks as an artist including “Blue Sky Beautiful” and “Tellin’ On You,” and recently received his first major label cut with “I Could Be That Rain” from Randall King‘s debut album Into The Neon.
“I give all the glory and credit to God for blessing me with the amazing team and people at Sony,” says Fuller. “The first time I sat down and talked with Rusty [Gaston] I felt like he truly cared to hear about who I was and my story. Aubrey [Landon] has the drive and work ethic of 10 people and I feel so lucky to have her in my corner. Every time I step foot within Sony, I’m welcomed by nothing but smiles and I feel right at home. Excited is an understatement for how I feel starting this next chapter with them.”
“Brian is a special talent—his song sense, unique melodies and ideas set him apart as one of the most promising young songwriter/artists,” shares Landon. “We are excited to join forces and be a part of his team! There’s no doubt in my mind he’ll be the talk of the town soon.”
Fuller is set to release his newest single “That Girl Can Drive,” co-penned with Joey Hyde and Justin Wilson, on May 24.
UMPG Nashville Signs John Hollier
/by LB CantrellPictured (L-R): Cyndi Forman (UMPG Nashville), Don Glista (UMPG Nashville), Alex Brahl (7S Management) and John Hollier. Photo: Courtesy of UMPG Nashville
Universal Music Publishing Nashville has signed singer-songwriter John Hollier to an exclusive, global publishing agreement.
Hollier is a Louisiana native whose music combines gruff heartland rock with country soul. He recently signed to Thirty Tigers Records and opened for the Red Clay Strays. Hollier is managed by 7S Management.
“John’s lyrics are full of heart and soul. Combine that with one of the most incredible live shows I’ve seen in a long time, and I’m in! Let’s geaux, John!” says Cyndi Forman, Senior VP, A&R, UMPG Nashville.
“Cyndi and the entire UMPG team have made me feel at home and, more importantly, shown me that they are going to help foster my songs and style as passionately as I do,” says Hollier. “It’s a true honor to join an elite group of songwriters such as the Universal Music Publishing roster.”